Is it possible to double-knit with the edges open?

Hi! I’m making a knitted wall-hanging. I want to create a double-knit “sleeve” at the top of the piece so that the dowel can just be inserted into the “sleeve”, instead of permanently sewed onto the dowel. That way, the piece can be used as a wall-hanging OR a small blanket.
Is it even possible to double-knit so that the ends are open to create a sleeve?
My idea is to do something like a tubular bind-off, but to make the ‘tube’ (the double-knitting part) long enough to accomodate the dowel. I figure I should double my # of stitches where the double-knitting starts.
Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Welcome to the forum!
It an intriguing idea to have the possibility of both a blanket and a wall hanging with the integral sleeve.
Usually you have to make an effort to cross the yarns in order to close the ends. If you don’t cross the yarns but keep them separate, you should be able to keep the ends open.

1 Like

I would advise having 2 balls of yarn one for each side. Or double your stitches then work 1 row of double knitting to secure the increase row I would then split the stitches onto 2 needles, decide which half you are going to work on and thread waste yarn through the other half. When you have worked the hem to your desired length leave the stitches on a spare needle or waste yarn. Work the second half to the desired length. Leave the wrong side 1 row shorter than the right side. With the wrong side facing work a 3 needle bind off. The offset row will result in the bind off chain being on the wrong side. Sorry it sounds long winded but it is easier to do than it is to write. I use this method for belt loops.

4 Likes

Success! Thanks so much for the suggestions! I used your advice, and did a little more research, and came up with a great solution.
My wall hanging is an intarsia in stockinette, surrounded by seed stitch border. I was hoping to continue the sleeve in seed stitch, but that doesn’t seem possible, so I will just go with the stockinette look of the double-knitting for the sleeve.
At the end of the regular piece, I’m decreasing the needle size (to adjust for the size difference in double-knit stitch), and doubling my # of stitches. I’m doing this row on the WS, since it looks pretty sloppy with all the yarnovers.
Then I’m adding a second ball of the same color yarn, and double-knitting – without crossing the ends over. Just 7 rows is plenty to accommodate a half-inch dowel.
Then I’m decreasing needle size again to finish with an Invisible/Italian/Kirtchener Bind-off. I’ve swatched it out, and it looks really good. Now just a little more fine-tuning, and it will be perfect!
Thanks for the help!

3 Likes